A push for details of how local involvement would play out was a major part of the events California Forward visited last week.
4/25/11 Yolo Dialogue
Collaboration between public agencies and improving program results were the focus of a Speak Up California dialogue at the Woodland Community and Senior Center in partnership with Saving California Communities on Monday April 25.
Speaking to a gathering of more than 30 community leaders, Don Saylor, a member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, cited examples of Yolo County area agencies already working together across geographical lines to share emergency, fire, and water services.
But if California is going to survive its current challenges, he said, “We must work together now as we never have before in history.”
Opening remarks were given by Senator Lois Wolk, whose bill, SB 14, would bring performance-based budgeting to the state. It makes sense to pursue budgeting that’s focused on results because “it makes sense to figure out if something is working or not working,” she said.
Martie Dote of Woodland left with much to think about.
“It’s good that people are thinking about this,” said Dote. “It’s a complicated subject. You’re talking about redesigning government. It’s going to take trust and leadership.”
4/26/11 HOPE Latina Action Days
When more than 400 Latinas gathered in Sacramento for the HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Latina Action Day on Tuesday, California Forward was on hand to present their government reform proposals and solicit input and ideas.
The conference, now in its 17th year, provides an opportunity for Latinas to gather and make their voices heard at the State Capitol, said Belinda Barragan, programs and policy director for the HOPE Leadership Institute.
Victor Abalos, communications director for California Forward, spoke of a state government that has become so dysfunctional that citizens often must step in when community needs aren’t being met.
He presented examples of extraordinary citizens working to improve their communities, people he called “Forward Thinkers. “They’re our way of putting a face on this issue,” he said.
California Forward’s Carrie Lopez said government must be more accessible and accountable to everyday citizens and that more Latinas must be involved in reform efforts.
Barragan agreed. “We want to make sure Latina voices are at the table when you talk about government reform.”
4/26/11 UCLA Economist Roundtable
On Tuesday, April 26th, Andreas Kluth, West Coast correspondent for The Economist, led a roundtable discussion at UCLA on his special report, The People’s Will: Reforming the way we govern California.
Kluth delved into the origins of California’s current governance and budget issues and proposed solutions that tracked closely with California Forward’s ideas, including re-alignment, and devolution, as well as increasing the number of representatives.
“The first challenge is how to make the message relevant to people who are not well educated,” said Carol Whiteside, partner with California Strategies. “Unless people participate, all this is noise.”
Panelist Daniel J.B. Mitchell, professor emeritus at UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management and Luskin School of Public Affairs, said some ideas already in play should help the state move forward.
“I think this notion of a nonpartisan primary, which is already adopted by the legislature, will be good for the governor,” said Mitchell. “He doesn’t have to worry about redistricting, because his is a statewide-at-large election.”
Whiteside reminded the audience that they must be involved if any change is to take hold. “Democracy often changes with a small group of committed people…. We will solve a lot of our issues when there are as many people voting in California as they vote in American Idol.”
4/28/11 Dialogue Santa Cruz
Nearly 200 people came together in Santa Cruz on Thursday night to discuss and debate ideas to move CA government closer to the people.
Sylvia Panetta, director of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, opened the evening by reminding people that improvement is possible.
“The light of promise this state represented is dimmed under its daunting challenges,” Panetta said. But, “we have seen and experienced firsthand the possibility for growth and opportunity in California that was provided to us, our families, and everyone who lives here. CA Fwd is creating a new community of Californians who are having their voices heard, shared, and developed into real, positive change.”
UCSC chancellor George Blumenthal agreed. “CA Fwd’s mission is of critical importance to all Californians right now. Today, our enviable system of public higher education is very much in jeopardy.”
Attendee Cheriel Jensen said state lawmakers must relinquish some control. “The state has laid a heavy hand on local governments, and they don’t understand the issues well enough to do that.”
Margaret Bruce agreed, but cautioned that it must be done right. “What are the specific rules, laws, and regulations that need to be changed so local elected officials can retain that control and have that accountability.”
One woman said it has become difficult to defend the state that she loves.
“We’re all proud of California. But we’re all embarrassed to be from a state that is so financially broken,” she said. “We can’t just patch leaks. Everybody needs to be involved, not just the legislators.”
4/29/11 CA Assoc. of Councils of Govts Monterey
CA Fwd visited the CA Association of Councils of Governments (CalCOG) in Monterey on Friday to hear from them about the best ways to implement government restructuring.
Attendee Will Kempton was initially positive about CA Fwd’s ideas, but wanted to see more specifics. “We believe devolution is a good thing, but it needs to come with funding and without strings.”
Lauren Sinnott of Mendocino voiced concerns about having local governments take on more. “A lot of us are from smaller cities, so we focused on how hard it would be to carry out a lot of new tasks and responsibilities when we need a lot of help right now just on the basics.”
Celia Kupersmith with the Contra Costs Transportation Planning agency seconded the need for specifics. “The devil’s in the details. There’s a lot of support for local control, but different areas treat local control differently. What mandates do you choose?”
“Giving local government more flexibility in designing and administering local programs is a good thing,” said John Shoals of San Louis Obispo. “We have flexibility to make decisions and are ultimately accountable to the people.”
But, the problem could arise where “everyone starts protecting their turf and losing sight of the more regional issues,” Shoals said. “You can develop incentives, but who develops criteria. Ultimately, in a world of limited resources, he who controls resources and funding ultimately becomes the de facto regulator.”
4/29/11 CA Fwd Dialogue Berkeley Common Cause
At the Common Cause event at UC Berkeley on Friday, college students added their voice to the discussion on how to fix California’s ailing government system.
Many students focused on their desire to interact and the few options for doing that in the current setup.
“I want to live in a democracy but it doesn’t seem like Californa’s government is accountable to the people,” said 21 year old Robbie Bruens.
“There’s a lack of interaction between the people and the government,” said student Kritika Thukral.
Also last week, California Forward visited the Monterey County Business Council and the PTA convention.
CA Fwd is involved in events throughout the state. To find out more, go to our events page. You can also host your own event!
